Cyprus president: Turkey’s aim for control scuppers peace

Cyprus’ president says Turkey’s aim to call the shots under a deal reunifying the ethnically split island nation is fanning fears among Greek Cypriots and hampering peace efforts.

Nicos Anastasiades says Turkey’s “obsession” to permanently station troops, secure military intervention rights and extend its influence over Turkish Cypriots in any peace deal is fanning fears that it wants to turn the island into a “protectorate.”

Anastasiades told The Associated Press in an interview on Tuesday that peace talks cannot resume as long as Turkey continues to unlawfully drill for gas in waters where Cyprus has exclusive economic rights.

He said Cyprus’ strengthened relations with neighboring countries including Egypt and Israel coupled with strained US-Turkey ties has enhanced the island nation’s role as an agent of regional stability.